Description

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia recipe features tender tilapia fillets seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious coconut cream sauce infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Served over fluffy basmati rice and complemented by kale and hints of dairy-free parmesan, this dish delivers a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

1 (9 oz) package Sea Cuisine Garlic & Herb Tilapia

Rice

2 cups cooked basmati rice

Sauce

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4–6 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut cream or coconut milk
½ cup vegetable or seafood stock (organic)
2 tablespoons mild flavorful cooking liquid
1 lemon, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
1 cup freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dill

Vegetables & Garnish

1 cup organic kale, chopped
½ lemon, sliced thin (seeds removed)

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Instructions

Heat Skillet and Sear Tilapia: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add tilapia fillets straight from the freezer and sear for 5 minutes on one side until golden, then flip and sear the other side for 5 minutes.
Remove Tilapia: Remove tilapia from skillet and set aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and dill until well combined with the garlic oil.
Add Liquid Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium-low. Slowly add coconut cream or coconut milk, vegetable or seafood stock, mild flavorful cooking liquid, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it gently bubble for 1-2 minutes.
Incorporate Dairy-Free Parmesan: Whisk in the dairy-free parmesan cheese until it melts and integrates into the sauce.
Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add to the sauce while whisking continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Kale and Lemon Slices: Stir in the chopped kale and lemon slices, then simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the kale and infuse flavors.
Simmer Tilapia in Sauce: Reduce heat to low and return the tilapia fillets to the skillet. Coat them gently in the sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with cooked basmati rice for a complete and flavorful meal.

Notes

Using frozen tilapia fillets straight from the freezer helps maintain their texture during searing.
Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for a milder or more intense garlic flavor.
If dairy-free parmesan is unavailable, a subtle sprinkle of nutritional yeast can substitute.
For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry gradually and cook a bit longer until desired consistency is reached.
Kale can be substituted with spinach or Swiss chard for variation.
Ensure lemon slices are thin and seeds are removed to avoid bitterness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American